When I visited the Holy Land several years ago, one of our guides said something that has stayed with me ever since. As we were moving from one historic site to another, he paused and asked our group a simple question: “Have you found yourself running where Jesus...
Beginning with Easter, we start a new series, *Pace,* accompanied by a book that helps us pace ourselves in a world that won’t. Given the theme of our series, don’t read this book if it causes you to hurry more than you already are. That’s the point. If you pay...
Anyone who divorces his wife makes her a victim of adultery. Matthew 5:31-32 Questions for Life Groups Read Matthew 5:31-32 and this week’s Circuit Rider article titled Divorce. This week, simply pay attention to moments when you encounter someone—a spouse, a friend,...
You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you… Matthew 5:38–39 Questions for Life Groups Read Matthew 5:38–39 and this week’s Circuit Rider article titled Retaliation. What does Jesus’ refusal to retaliate reveal about...
This Sunday, we welcome Pastor Naylo of Bethel United Methodist Church to preach as part of our Lenten series, All Y’all. He is a gifted communicator and a gracious presence, and we are grateful to receive his voice among us. But before we say anything else, we begin...
If your right eye causes you to sin, poke it out and throw it away. It is better to lose an eye than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. Matthew 5:27–30 Questions for Life Groups Read Matthew 5:1-12 (blessings) and then read Matthew 5:27–30, and this week’s...
Every piece of glass does one of two things. It either lets light through or throws your image back at you. It either reflects you back to yourself or lets you see something beyond yourself. We use glass for windows because, at its best, it is almost invisible. When...
All y’all have heard that people were told in the past, “Do not commit murder,” But now I tell you: if you are angry with your brother, you will be brought to trial. Matthew 5:21-26 Questions for Life Groups Read Matthew 5:1-12 (blessings) and then read Matthew...
This week marks the beginning of the Season of Lent and a new series based on some difficult teachings of Jesus on anger, adultery, retaliation, divorce, swearing, and love. But before you tune out, hang with us at least long enough to find out that our traditional...
They returned to their country by another road, since God had warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. Matthew 2:12 Questions for Life Groups Read Matthew 2:12, 17:1-13, and this week’s Circuit Rider article titled Transformation. This week, let’s sit with the...